Chicago's Concert In Monte-Carlo's Sporting Club

In front of a very appreciative audience, the rock band Chicago played the Sporting Club in Monte-Carlo, Monaco yesterday evening (July 28, 2008). Their unique rock and jazz sound lit up the open-air ambiance of the Sporting's 'Salle Des Etoiles' concert hall, and the band had everyone rocking to the music.

From their recently released album Chicago XXXII Stone Of Sisyphus (June 2008), they played the title track called "The Stone Of Sisyphus". Next with Jason Scheff singing lead vocals they performed their worldwide number one hit, "If You Leave Me Now". It is remarkable that Scheff can deliver the highs and lows during a live concert, because it requires huge changes in pitch to sing Chicago's songs.

The Monaco performance was part of Chicago's 2008 World Tour, which takes them next to London in the United Kingdom (July 31), and from August to November across the United States and Canada. As a matter of interest, to combat the gruelling tour schedule, both Chicago's lead singer Jason Scheff and drummer Tris Imboden, are avid followers of the P90x workout schedules that they perform daily to keep in shape.

Chicago also performed a tribute to Glenn Miller with the song "In The Mood" and the brass trio Walter Parazaider (saxophone), Lee Loughnane (trumpet) and James Pankow (trombone) took to the centre of the stage. But the really special sound of Chicago came out in the songs "Hard Habit To Break" led by Bill Champlin and Jason Scheff, and "You're The Inspiration", and "It's Hard For Me To Say I'm Sorry" where the sound of their singing in harmony 'live' was magic and something not to be missed.

Robert Lamm, who plays keyboards for Chicago, turned the clock back in time, with his solid performance of "Saturday In The Park" and you could see the band enjoying playing together as Lamm came to centre stage to sing. In fact, throughout the concert you could see that Chicago enjoys performing their songs and after their encore Lamm said to everyone in the Sporting "you've been a great audience" and "see you next year!".

Monaco's Sporting Club is located at the water's edge, with spectacular views over Monte-Carlo Bay on the Mediterranean, and hosts many top international performing artists during the summer.

About The Band Chicago

Chicago was formed in 1967 in Chicago, Illinois and are one of the most successful rock bands to come out of the U.S. For 2008 the band Chicago is made up of Walter Parazaider, Lee Loughnane, James Pankow, Tris Imboden, Robert Lamm, Jason Scheff, Keith Howland, and Bill Champlin.

They have sold more than 120 million records since their debut, with twenty singles that have made the Top Ten. Three of their number one hits in the U.S. were "If You Leave Me Now" released in 1976, "Hard To Say I'm Sorry" (1982) and "Look Away" (1988). The single "If You Leave Me Now also went to number one on the U.K. singles charts.

Much like the Rolling Stones, Chicago have been performing since the 60's. Their music mixes the trumpet, trombone and saxophone with a blend of classic rock and pop instruments to create their sound. Additionally, they are probably the most successful band after ABBA to sing in harmony with each other and this unique blend of vocals is a sound that has helped them endure for so long.